If you feel there is a danger to any person, either call 911 for help in assessing the seriousness of the situation or seek assistance from local law enforcement officers. Always request a CRISIS INTERVENTION TRAINED POLICE OFFICER (CIT). These are police officer’s who have been trained for mental health crisis.

What is a “psychiatric crisis”?

A psychiatric crisis is when a person shows signs of a severe mental illness, such as

Suicidal, homicidal and/or other violent thoughts or actions.

Psychosis (usually an inability to distinguish what is real from what is not, such as (hallucinations, delusions and/or paranoia)

Inability to provide basic self-care.

Many families have found themselves witnessing these symptoms in their loved ones, and it can be very scary. These feelings are normal, and are to be expected in such a stressful time.

If you can, talk to your loved one and encourage them to seek mental health treatment immediately, whether from a medical/psychiatric provider, the local mental health agency or a hospital emergency room (ER/ED). Let your loved one know that you can help guide them through this process so they don’t have to do it alone.

Helpful tips to use when interacting with your loved one during a psychiatric crisis:

Avoid threatening, shouting or criticizing. Your loved one is in an “altered reality state” and the above behaviors may only exacerbate the situation.

Speak softly and in simple sentences. This will help maintain a calmer environment.

Avoid standing over your loved one or blocking the doorway. Again, it is important that you try to create a safe and calming atmosphere, not an intimidating one.

Actions one can take

IF YOU CAN TALK TO YOUR LOVE ONE and encourage them to seek mental health treatment immediately, whether from a medical/psychiatric provider, the local mental health agency or a hospital emergency room (ER/ED). Let your loved one know that you can guide them through this process so they don’t have to do it alone.

The Triage Program and the Crisis Residential Unit are closely linked programs that are logically and efficiently offered under one roof. These programs are designed to provide an immediate response to individuals experiencing a psychiatric crisis. The goal of both programs is to avoid unnecessary hospitalization or incarceration of individuals in crisis by providing rapid assessment, stabilization and referral to the appropriate level of care. While many Triage clients go home with follow-up services at the Rosecrance Ware Center and others are referred for hospitalization, many are seamlessly moved to a short-term placement in the Rosecrance Crisis Residential Unit.

Triage services are available to adults 18 years and older.

Hours: Noon – 11:00 p.m. 7 day a week.

Non-Voluntary require you to go to the hospital Emergency Departments.

Documentation for treatment

Have current copies of your family members medical information available to provide to mental health providers. Your records should include the following:

Diagnosis for the individual if known

A list of all current medications.

List of specific events or behaviors that have caused concern.

Insurance information.

Names and contacts of the individual’s doctors.

Your name, relationship, and phone numbers.

Our Mission

NAMI Northern Illinois is dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals with mental illness and their families through Support, Education and Advocacy.